Loving Lucas - The Journey of Our Little Man with Down Syndrome

 Dear Family & Friends, Thank you so much for your prayers and messages. Lucas didn't get worse overnight and the doctors let me know that they think he's actually over the worst of the virus he has and is safe to recover at home. I am so relieved! It's so hard to not imagine the worst, and am still trying to relax after getting home. Lucas is in really good spirits despite his coughing.  We've had a slew of appointments this last month and added on a couple of diagnosis with little Lucas. Audiology - mild hearing loss in his left ear (which may get better as he gets older). They said it most likely has to do with his ear anatomy that is likely retaining fluid which impairs hearing. Nutrition (Feeding) Specialist - he had a swallow study done a couple weeks ago. He is aspirating slightly when he eats, which is the smallest amount of liquid getting into his lungs. So the solution is to thicken his food. Interesting for sure, but it works! This, however, is disappoint

Dear Family and Friends, Lucas is 6 months old as of last Friday! Our little man is getting so big! He's just barely holding up his head now. Hasn't quite rolled over yet, but working on it. I was hoping to send out a lovely note just updating his progress, but as it happens I am writing this from the hospital as Lucas was admitted a few hours ago. This story begins last Friday on his 6-month-i-versary. He happened to have his 6 month check up with his doctor that day as well which means getting updated vaccinations and we also opted to get him a Flu shot to equip him for the upcoming season. That meant 3 shots in his adorable thighs, poor little guy. Like most things he tolerated it like a champ. Only cried a little bit, then took a bottle, and promptly fell asleep. That night he started to feel a bit warm. They get the same vaccinations at 6 months that they do at 4 months and he got a slight fever for the evening after his 4 month vaccinations so I expected a fever. The next

Dear Family & Friends, Our little Lucas is a whole 5 months old! We hope you all have been enjoying your summer. We've had some small trips to the hospital, but for the most part Lucas has been very healthy. He may have some minor inflammation in his lungs from aspirating while eating which is a common ailment with DS. It's become more obvious since he got the feeding tube out last month, so I've been mostly feeding him by bottle. I'm anxious for the next feeing appointment because if it continues to be an issue, then he'll have to have the tube re-inserted. So, for now, I'll say I'm enjoying the break. At 5 months Lucas has found his thumbs and hands and is delightfully entertained by sucking on his hands several times a day. His neck continues to get stronger. I keep having in mind that the girls were sitting up by 6 months old and I don't know that he'll be there by 6 months, but he was also born about a month early so we can give him a break.

Dear Family and Friends,  I am happy to report that Lucas' hospital stays are definitely getting less often and less severe. On July 22nd, 2024 I took Lucas in because he had spit up a bottle of formula I gave him (which was out of the norm because I've been feeding him breast milk, but my supply was low that day). Spitting up is definitely not uncommon in babies, but was out of the ordinary for him and because of his conditions his pediatrician's office suggested we have someone "lay eyes" on him. He didn't just spit up, he was looking a little lathargic and wasn't eating even some breast milk so the formula must have upset his stomach. We thought this would be a simple check up so we just went to the Multicare Hospital ER very close to our house, but they were worried about a few things with him and ended up calling Children's hospital anyway (so I should have just gone to Children's). They also tried to take blood because the wanted to get labs,

4/13/24 Dear Family and Friends,  I decided not to e-mail this out because he was JUST in the hospital a couple days ago for that short stay and I didn't want to overload people. Lucas is 4 months old! I got some cute pics and just wanted to highlight him. I can't WAIT til he's a bit bigger. 😊

Dear Family and Friends, I'm super thrilled to report that Lucas did great overnight. Lungs look more clear and no more diarrhea. We just got the go ahead to go home today! I guess if he did have a bug of something, he kicked it in the pants quickly which is what we like to see! Thanks for all the prayers! Someone is enjoying his swing at home and do I see a smile? ☺